Activist Praises Ruto’s Firm Stand on Dangote Refinery, Says Project Could Transform Kenya’s Economy

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has praised President William Ruto for maintaining a firm position in support of the proposed Dangote oil refinery project in Lamu, describing the investment as an impactful long-term economic undertaking capable of creating jobs, promoting industrialisation and strengthening Kenya’s economic independence.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy, said the President’s determination to see the project actualised demonstrates the government’s commitment to attracting large-scale private investment and expanding opportunities for Kenyans.

He said the proposed refinery should be viewed beyond the political debate surrounding it, arguing that major infrastructure and industrial projects have the potential to shape the economic future of generations.

According to Ngetich, Africa’s economic transformation requires countries on the continent to move away from the traditional practice of exporting raw materials and importing finished products at higher costs.

He said the refinery presents an opportunity to promote local value addition by processing resources closer to their source while creating employment and supporting businesses involved in transportation, logistics, manufacturing, construction and other sectors.

“The President is actualising African economic independence, which requires transitioning from exporting raw materials to local value addition, boosting intra-African trade and empowering the continent’s youth through digital and industrial development,” Ngetich said.

The activist described President Ruto as a leader focused on attracting investments that can have long-term economic benefits, saying Kenya needs more private investors with the financial capacity to undertake projects of significant scale.

Ngetich said the Dangote refinery should not be regarded as President Ruto’s personal project but as a national investment whose potential benefits could extend to millions of Kenyans.

He argued that successful economies across the world have been built through long-term development programmes, industrial investments and strong partnerships between governments and the private sector.

“Throughout history, the human race has advanced through monumental, long-term development projects. This is not President Ruto’s personal project; it is a long-lasting economic opportunity for the people of Kenya,” he said.

Ngetich said the project could create employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans, particularly young people, while also generating opportunities for local enterprises that would provide goods and services to the refinery and associated industries.

He further argued that the benefits of the investment could extend beyond the borders of Kenya through increased regional trade and economic linkages with neighbouring countries.

The activist said Kenya should take advantage of its strategic position in East Africa to attract more international investors and develop industries capable of serving both the domestic and regional markets.

He also called on the government to remain focused on ensuring that major investments are implemented while addressing concerns raised by communities and other stakeholders through the established legal and regulatory mechanisms.

Ngetich criticised political and other actors seeking to challenge or frustrate the project through court proceedings, warning that Kenyans would closely follow the debate surrounding the investment.

He said disagreements over major projects should not automatically translate into opposition to investment, adding that development initiatives should be subjected to proper scrutiny while allowing projects with economic potential to proceed within the law.

“The opposition figures who are contemplating frustrating this project through court litigation should understand that Kenyans are watching. We must look at the bigger picture and the long-term benefits of such an investment,” Ngetich said.

He maintained that local value addition remains an important component of economic development, noting that countries that process their minerals, agricultural products and other natural resources locally are better positioned to create industries and employment around those resources.

According to him, exporting raw materials while importing finished products leaves African economies with limited opportunities to capture the full value of their natural resources.

Ngetich said Kenya should instead invest in industries that can process locally available resources and create value chains that benefit farmers, workers, traders, transporters and manufacturers.

He said such an approach would also help address the country's youth unemployment challenge by creating new opportunities in industrial production, technology, logistics and skilled employment.

The activist further argued that Kenya cannot continue complaining about economic challenges and rising unemployment while simultaneously opposing investments that have the potential to generate economic activity.

He urged the government to continue pursuing investors capable of bringing significant capital, technology, expertise and employment opportunities into the country.

Ngetich said the involvement of internationally recognised private investors could help reduce Kenya’s dependence on external assistance by expanding the productive sectors of the economy and strengthening the private sector.

He also urged President Ruto to remain focused on the refinery project and other large-scale investments, saying the country needs consistency in implementing long-term economic programmes.

“The President must remain firm and focused on this project and ensure Kenya continues attracting other investors of similar magnitude. We cannot lament about economic challenges and rising youth unemployment while opposing impactful investments,” he said.

Ngetich said the refinery debate should ultimately be guided by the broader question of how Kenya can create industries, jobs and sustainable sources of economic growth for its citizens.

He maintained that government, private investors and communities have a role to play in ensuring that major projects are implemented transparently, responsibly and in a manner that delivers tangible benefits to Kenyans.

He said Kenya’s ambition to become a more industrialised and economically self-reliant country will require bold investment decisions, stronger private-sector participation and policies that encourage local production and value addition.

Ngetich concluded by urging Kenyans to support development programmes with long-term economic benefits while remaining vigilant to ensure that investments comply with the law and respect the interests of affected communities.